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How do I test my car's alternator?
I am worried my alternator is broken. I’d love to confirm this at home without running to the mechanic. How do I test my car's alternator?
Nick Kunze · Updated on
Reviewed by Shannon Martin, Licensed Insurance Agent.
Way to be proactive about your car’s health. To test your car’s alternator, you’ll need a multimeter.
A multimeter, also known as a volt-ohm meter, is a handheld device that can measure voltage. With a multimeter, you can determine if your car’s alternator is working correctly.
Attach the multimeter to your alternator while the car is off, attaching the black cable to the negative terminal and the red cable to the positive terminal. If your alternator is working, it should read around 12.6 volts while turned off.
Turn the car on. The multimeter should read between 14.2 and 14.7 volts. If it is below 14.2, your battery is being undercharged. If it is over 14.7, your battery is being overcharged.
After you finish checking your alternator, why not check to make sure your
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